A combination of the brewers would create a company with a market value of about $250bn (£162bn). It would bring together Stella Artois and Budweiser with SABMiller’s brands, including Peroni, Grolsch and British craft beer Meantime.

SABMiller is listed in London and South Africa and employs 69,000 people around the world. AB InBev is listed in Brussels and New York.

In a statement, SABMiller said: “The board of SABMiller notes the recent press speculation and confirms that Anheuser-Busch InBev has informed SABMiller that it intends to make a proposal to acquire SABMiller.

“No proposal has yet been received and the Board of SABMiller has no further details about the terms of any such proposal. The board of SABMiller will review and respond as appropriate to any proposal which might be made.”

In response, AB InBev confirmed it had made an approach and said it wanted to work with SABMiller on a deal.

“AB InBev confirms that it has made an approach to SABMiller’s board of directors regarding a combination of the two companies,” it said. “AB InBev’s intention is to work with SABMiller’s board toward a recommended transaction.”